GB2137506A - Catheter for administering oxygen - Google Patents

Abstract

The catheter 1 includes a tubular member 2 for insertion into the trachea 4 of a patient, a retainer flange 5 for locating the tube 2 and an inlet 6 for connection to an oxygen supply line. The inlet 6 includes a flexible portion 39. The tubular member 2 has a curved portion 10 which connects the inlet 6 to a straight portion 11 which lies axially of the trachea 4 and terminates immediately above the broachi, so that drying of the mucous membrane of the trachea 4 is minimised. The flange 5 may be secured to an adjustable band which passes around the patient's neck, or may be secured directly to the patient by sutures or buttons. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Catheter for administering oxygen Background of the invention This invention relates to catheters, and more particularly to a catheter insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen therapy directly into the trachea near the lungs of the patient.

From time to time it is necessary to administer oxygen to persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases for treatment or therapy purposes. One procedure for administering oxygen therapy is shown in Jacobs, U.S. Patent No.

3,682,166. Jacobs utilizes a tubular catheter which is inserted into the tracheal cavity through the tracheal wall by means of a needle-like instrument. The catheter includes a wing formation which enables it to be taped, or tied to the patient's neck, and a fluid fitting for connection to a ventilating apparatus. One disadvantage of Jacobs' catheter is that it wastes oxygen by virtue of having to fill the space of the tracheal cavity, and may cause undesirable drying of the mucous membrane within the trachea resulting in irritated and inflamed areas. Further, the wing formation does not provide a positive means for attaching the catheter to the patient's neck since a band or tape could easily work themselves loose as the patient performs normal daily activities.Also, since Jacobs' catheter is preferably inserted through the crico-thyroid membrane, it would be in plain view on the patient's neck above the collar line, and may thus be considered unsightly by patients receiving therapy. Further, insertion through the cricothyroid membrane may cause irritation and/or damage to the vocal cords and can lead to other complications such as scarring and narrowing.

Jacobs' device may thus be perceived by a patient as being socially unacceptable thereby inhibiting the patient's social activities. If Jacobs' catheter is inserted below the collar line of the patient's neck so as to be hidden from view, the fluid fitting may become bent which may result in the tubular passageway becoming constricted or completely obstructed resulting in ineffective oxygen therapy.

Another conventional procedure for administering oxygen therapy is to administer the oxygen through 2 nasal cannula or facial mask. Both the nasal cannula and facial mask, however, create waste of the oxygen supply by virtue of having to fill the dead spaces of the nasal cavities, mouth, throat and sinuses and through losses at the administration site. In addition, as with the Jacobs' device, the patient may perceive his therapy as being socially unacceptable when utilizing either the nasal cannula or facial mask thus inhibiting his social activities.

Such nasal cannula or facial mask can also slip off during sleep. The danger of therapy not being socially acceptable is that the patient tends to be home bound, becoming sedentary which may cause further muscle deterioration and atrophy.

Summary of the invention A catheter includes a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall into the tracheal cavity, stop means connected to the tubular member at its exterior end for retaining the tubular member in place, and an inlet connection means connected to the tubular member for connection to an oxygen supply line. The catheter is preferably molded in one piece of a plastic material which is radiopaque so that its position may be readily verified by x-ray photography.

The tubular member includes an oxygen outlet port located within the tracheal cavity and an inlet port located adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall. The tubular member has a substantially linear first portion disposed within the tracheal cavity of a length sufficient to position the outlet port immediately adjacent the bronchi, and a second portion having a curvature formed therein. The second portion is preferably resilient and is preformed with the desired amount of curvature therein. The degree of curvature controls the direction of flow of oxygen from the outlet port. Preferably, the linear portion of the tubular member, and consequently the outlet port is spaced from the interior of the tracheal wall and extends substantially parallel thereto.The outlet port of the tubular member is positioned closely adjacent the bronchi which reduces oxygen waste by administering the oxygen directly into the bronchi and lungs of the patient. The substantially linear extension of the tubular member to be substantially parallel to the tracheal wall permits the outlet port to be spaced from the interior of the tracheal wall to minimize the impingement of dry oxygen on the tracheal wall to minimize drying of the mucous membrane.

The outlet port is properly sized to provide a relatively large opening in the tubular member which aids in providing a relatively low velocity for the gas being administered. This low velocity conserves oxygen and further aids in minimizing the drying of the mucous membrane within the trachea.

The maximum size of the opening is constrained by the necessity to cause as small an insertion site as possible.

The stop means includes a retainer flange on the tubular member which is designed to retain the catheter in position on the patient's neck. In order to accomplish this the retainer flange includes attaching means which may include a plurality of apertures formed closely adjacent its outer edge margin which enable the retainerflangeto be sutured or clamped directly to the patient's neck. The attaching means may also include at least one spherical protrusion projecting from the retainer flange for use with a plastic band having a series of holes properly spaced and sized to accept the spherical protrusions. The band may be placed around the patient's neck and attached to the retainer flange by inserting the spherical protrusions into the holes of the band.This latter arrangement provides an adjustable means of attaching the catheter which compensates for various neck sizes.

The attaching means may also include at least one aperture formed in the retainerflange, and a button member positionable in the subdermal area of a patient's neck. The button member includes a protrusion which projects through the skin and into the aperture in the flange, and includes a locking surface which engages the edge of the aperture to secure the retainer flange in place against the patient's neck.

Preferably, the locking surface is part of a spherical protrusion and the aperture in the flange is properly sized to accept the spherical protrusion.

In another arrangement, the attaching means may include at last one aperture formed in the retainer flange, a first button member positionable in the subdermal area of the patient's neck having a female fitting projecting therefrom through the skin and into the aperture, and a second button member having a male fitting projecting therefrom adapted to be secured within the female fitting to sandwich the retainer flange and the skin therebetween and secure the retainer flange in place againstthe patient's neck. Preferably, the male fitting is frictionally engaged within the female fitting so that the catheter is removable if desired.

The inlet connection means is secured to the retainer flange and includes an inlet opening communicating with the inlet port of the tubular member. The inlet opening is designed with a luer type internal taper, that is, it converges toward the inlet port. This type of opening enables the inlet connec torto accept a male luer connector from an oxygen supply line. The inlet connection means is constructed of a resilient plastic material so that a leak-tight friction connection is provided between the catheter and the oxygen supply line. The inlet opening has a longitudinal axis of entry disposed at a downward angle with respect to the central axis of the inlet port. This reduces the likelihood of dislodging the catheter from the patient's neck.The angle of the axis of entry is preferably about 300 with respect to the axis of the inlet port.

The inlet connection means also includes a bending means for allowing the inlet connection means to be substantially deformed in any direction with respect to the axis of the inlet port without obstructing the flow of oxygen through the tubular member.

The bending means preferably comprises a corrugated flexible portion on the inlet connection means adjacent the retainer flange. The bending means together with the angle of the axis of entry of the inlet connection means enables the catheter to be positioned below the collar line of a patient's neck without causing undue discomfort and without obstructing or constricting the flow of oxygen.

The catheter may be inserted into a patient's trachea by means of a suitably sized hypodermic needle or similar insertion tool. The needle is inserted into the catheter from the connector side through the inlet port and extending through the length of the tubular member until it exits from the outlet port. The needle is inserted through the tracheal wall preferably between the first and second or second and third tracheal rings. The tubular portion of the catheter may alternately be inserted into the patient's trachea by inserting the tubular portion of the catheter into a bore of a split type needle or similar insertion tool, and then inserting the needle and catheter assembly into the tracheal after which the split needle is removed leaving the catheter in place.Once the retainer flange engages the patient's neck the needle is withdrawn and the catheter is held in place by any of the attaching means previously described.

One improvement of the catheter over conventional methods, such as the use of a nasal cannula or facial mask is a reduction in the quantity of oxygen required by a factor of 10 to 4 times less. Administration of oxygen through a nasal cannula or a mask requires 2 to 4 liters per minute of flow (depending on patient's condition), whereas the catheter of the present invention requires only 1/4 to 1/2 liter per minute of flow to achieve the same effect. Since the catheter permits lower flow rates smaller oxygen reservoirs can be used by a patient which permits greater mobility for the patient. On the other hand, a patient might utilize a larger oxygen reservoir having a corresponding greater capacity which will provide extended usage time in proportion to the reduction in the flow rate.

Another advantage of the catheter is in the cosmetic improvement of its administration method over the nasal cannula or mask methods. That is, the catheter is substantially hidden from view while the patient is receiving oxygen and thus the patient may perceive his therapy as more socially acceptable allowing him to leave his residence for exercise, entertainment or returning to work.

The catheter of the present invention thus provides for inconspicuous administration of oxygen therapy, conserves the oxygen gas resource, and simplifies the procedure for administering oxygen therapy.

Brief description of the drawings The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 7 is a view of the catheter of the present invention together with a hypodermic needle and syringe required for the insertion procedure showing the method of inserting the catheter into the trachea; Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in cross section illustrating the position of the catheter in the trachea with respect to the bronchi and lungs of the patient; Figure 3 is a side view in cross section of the catheter shown in Figure 1 taken along the plane of line 3-3 in Figure 4; Figure 4 is a fragmentary front view illustrating the position of the catheter with respect to the collar line along a patient's neck and showing one means for attaching the catheter to the patient's neck; Figure 5 is a fragmentary front view similar to Figure 3 showing an alternate means for attaching the catheter to the patient's neck; ; Figure 6 is a fragmentary side view in cross section of the catheter illustrating a third means for attaching the catheter to the patient's neck; and Figure 7 is a fragmentary side view in cross section similar to Figure 6 illustrating a fourth means for attaching the catheter to the patient's neck.

Description of the preferred embodiment Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-3 show a catheter indicated generally by the numeral 1 con structed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The catheter 1 is specifically designed for administering oxygen directly into the lower trachea and lungs of persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases for treatment purposes. However, it is readily obvious that catheter 1 could also be utilized to administer other types or combinations of gases into the lungs of a patient, or could be utilized as the medium for introducing medical instruments such as a bronchoscope for inspecting, cleaning, distending, drawing off fluid or treating the trachea, bronchi, or lungs.

The catheter 1 may be molded in one piece of radiopaque plastic material so that its position may be readily verified by X-ray photography. The type of plastic material to be used should be relatively soft, resilient, readily sterilizable and inert, such as polyurethane or any other polymer which has been used in the prior art which is compatible with the human body.

The catheter 1 includes a tubular member 2 insertable into a patient's trachea through the tracheal wall 3 into the tracheal cavity 4, a retainer flange 5 connected to tubular member 2 at the exterior end of member 2 for retaining member 2 in place, and an inlet connector 6 secured to the retainer flange 5 for connection to an oxygen supply line (not shown). The catheter 1 projects from the central front portion of a patient's neck and is positioned so that member 2 extends through the tracheal wall 3 between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings 7. As shown in Figure 2, member 2 is preferably located between first and second or second and third tracheal rings 7 so that the catheter 1 is positioned below the patient's collar line. As noted above, catheter 1 is utilized for administering oxygen therapy directly into the bronchi 8 and lungs 9 of a patient.

The tubular member 2 has its inlet port 2a positioned adjacent the exterior of tracheal wall 3 and its outlet port 2b positioned within tracheal cavity 4, as shown in Figure 2. Tubular member 2 includes a curved portion 1 which extends through tracheal wall 3 and a substantially linear portion 11 disposed within tracheal cavity 4. Curved portion 10 is molded with the desired degree of curvature formed therein although its curvature may also be maintained by the insertion of a spring-like material if desired or by a curvature therein caused by gravity due to the flexibility of the material used. The degree of curvature controls the direction of flow of oxygen from outlet port 2b. Linear portion 11 is spaced from the interior of tracheal wall 3 and has its longitudinal passage 12 extending substantially parallel to wall 3.

The outlet port 2b of tubular member 2 is positioned immediately adjacent and above the bronchi 8, as seen in Figure 2. This location for outlet port 2b of member 2 reduces oxygen waste by administering oxygen directly toward the bronchi 8 and lungs 9 of the patient. It is thus unnecessary to fill any "dead" space in the patient's trachea, larynx or nasopharynx as would be necessary if a nasal cannula or facial mask was being utilized. This location for the interior end of member 2 together with the fact that this end is spaced from the inside of tracheal wall 3 also minimizes any drying of the mucous membrane in the patient's trachea or nasopharynx.

Tubular member 2 is about 2 to 3 inches long when measured along its longitudinal axis but can be reasonably longer or shorter if necessary, and has an outer diameter of about 0.083 inches and an inner diameter of about 0.059 inches. The outlet port 2b is properly sized to provide a relatively large opening in the tubular member which aids in providing a relatively low velocity for the gas being administered. Administration of oxygen through catheter 1 requires about 1/4 to about 1/2 liter per minute of flow whereas administration of oxygen through a nasal cannula or facial mask requires about 2 to 4 liters per minute of flow, since the oxygen waste into the room or dead space is eliminated. Thus, catheter 1 reduces the quantity of oxygen required by a factor of about 10 to 4 times less.For example, if a patient is using a 247 liter oxygen reservoir at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute, he would have about a 2 hour supply of oxygen. By reducing the flow rate to 1/2 liter per minute his supply of oxygen is extended to 8 hours and 15 minutes. The relatively low rate of administration provided by catheter member 2 conserves oxygen, and the relatively low velocity also aids in minimizing the drying of the mucous membrane within the patient's trachea.

Retainer flange 5 comprises a stop means and is utilized for retaining tubular member 2 in the patient's trachea and is connected to the exterior end of member 2 so that it may be positioned intimately against the skin of the patient's neck. Retainer flange 5 extends substantially radially with respect to the exterior end of member 2, and as seen in Figure 4 is generally triangular in shape. Flange 5 preferably has a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch.

Retainerflange 5 is designed primarily to retain tubular member 2 in position in the patient's trachea and provides a means of connecting tubular member 2 to inlet connector 6. In order to accomplish this, retainer flange 5 includes attaching means for attaching the flange 5 to the neck of a patient. Figure 4 shows one form of attaching means which includes a pair of protrusions 13 projecting from flange 5, and a plastic band 14 which extends around the patient's neck. Each protrusion 13 includes a spherical head portion 15 spaced from flange 5 and a neck portion 16 connecting the head 15 with the flange 5. As seen best in Figure 3 neck portion 16 has a diameter of about 1/16 of an inch and the spherical head 15 has a diameter of about 1/8 of an inch. The elastic band 14 includes a series of spaced holes 17 formed therethrough sized to have a diameter greater than the neck portion 16 but less than that of head portion 15 so that the holes 17 will accept the spherical heads 15 and hold the retainer flange 5 in place on the patient's neck. The band 14 may thus be placed around the patient's neck and attched to the retainer flange 5 by inserting the spherical heads 15 of protrusions 13 into the holes 17 to provide an adjustable means of attaching the catheter 1 which compensates for various neck sizes of different patients.

Figure 5 illustrates another means for attaching catheter 1 to the patient's neck. In this second embodiment, the attaching means includes three apertures 18 formed closely adjacent to the outer edge margin of retainer flange 5. Apertures 18 have a diameter of about 0.09 inches to about 0.1 inches, and enable the flange 5 to be attached directly to the patient's neck as for example by the sutures 19 illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 6 illustrates a third means for attaching catheter 1 to the patient's neck. This third embodiment includes at least one aperture 20 formed in retainerflange and a button member 21 positioned in the subdermal area of the patient's neck. As shown, button member 21 includes a thin disc or plate 22 and a protrusion 23 projecting from plate 22.

Plate 22 may be inserted in the subdermal area of the patient's neck by sewing it under the outermost layer of skin 24 or by securing it under or to the skin in any other medically suitable manner. The protrusion 23 projects through the skin 24 and includes a spherical head portion 25 and neck portion 26 designed in a manner similar to the protrusions 13 shown in Figure 2. Protrusion 23 also includes locking surface 27 which engages the edge of aperture 20 to secure the flange Sin place against the patient's neck. The aperture 20 is properly sized to accept the spherical head portion 25 and has a diameter greater than neck portion 26 but less than spherical head 25.

Thus, catheter 1 is attached to the patient's neck by forcing the spherical head portions 25 through the apertures 20 in retainer flange 5 so that the locking surface 27 engages the edge of apertures 20 to hold the catheter 1 in place by sandwiching the patient's skin between flange 5 and plate 22.

Figure 7 illustrates a fourth means for attaching catheter 1 to the neck of a patient. In this fourth embodiment the attaching means includes at least one aperture 28 formed in retainer flange 5, a first button member 29 positioned in the subdermal area of the patient's neck, and a second button member 29 positioned on the outside of retainer flange 5.

Button member 29 is similar to button member 21 of Figure 5 and includes a thin disc or plate 31, and a hollow female fitting 32 projecting from plate 31 through the patient's skin and aperture 28. As with the button member 21 shown in Figure 5, button member 29 may be sewn or secured by any other appropriate medical procedure under orto the outer layer of skin 35 on the patient's neck. Button member 30 includes a thin disc or plate 33 and a male fitting 34 which is adapted to be pressed into female fitting 32 of member 29 to sandwich the retainer flange 5 and skin 35 therebetween to secure the catheter 1 in place against the patient's neck. Preferably, the outer diameter of male fitting 34 substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of female fitting 32 so that male fitting 34 is frictionally engaged within female fitting 32.However, as is readily obvious to those skilled in the art, other types of restraining fits between button member 29 and 30 may be utilized such as employing external threads on male fitting 34 and internal threads on female fitting 32.

Inlet connector 6 is integrally molded with retainer flange 5 and tubular member 2 and is in the shape of a hollow tube. Inlet connector 6 includes an inlet opening 36 which is open at one end and communicates with inlet port 2a at its other end. As seen in Figure 3, inlet opening 36 is designed with a luer type internal taper, that is, it converges towards inlet port 2a incorporating a standard taper common to medical fittings. Tapered opening 36 enables inlet connector 6 to accept a male luer connectorfrom an oxygen supply input tube (not shown). Inlet opening 36 includes a central longitudinal axis of entry 37, as shown in Figure 3. The interior walls of inlet connector 6 taper away from axis 37 at about 30 angle of inclination to form the luer-receiving opening 36.Thus, a leak-tight friction connection is provided between inlet connector 6 and an oxygen supply line.

As seen best in Figure 3, the axis of entry 37 is disposed at a downward angle with respect to a line 38 which represents the central axis of the inlet port 2a. The angle of the axis of entry 37 is preferably about 300 with respect to axis 38, and thus inlet connector 6 is disposed at a corresponding angle with respect to line 38. Since catheter 1 is specifically adapted to be located beneath the collar line of a patient's neck, this downward angle minimizes the bending forces on inlet connector 6 to reduce the likelihood of dislodging the tubular member 2 so that the catheter 1 is not pulled ortorn away from the neck of the patient.

The inlet connector 6 also includes a bending means for allowing the inlet connector 6 to be substantially deformed in any direction with respect to axis 38 without obstructing the flow of oxygen through inlet port 2a in tubular member 2. The bending means comprises a corrugated flexible portion 39 on the inlet connector 6 adjacent retainer flange 5. The corrugated portion 39 extends around the entire periphery of inlet connector 6 adjacent retainer flange 5. The corrugated portion 39 extends around the entire periphery of inlet connector 6, as shown best in Figure 3. The corrugated portion 39 together with the angle of the axis of entry 37 for inlet connector 6 enables the catheter 1 to be positioned below the collar line of a patient's neck without causing undue discomfort and without obstructing or constricting the flow of oxygen to the lungs 9.

Referring now to Figure 1, the catheter 1 may be inserted into the patient's trachea by means of a suitably sized hypodermic needle 40. The needle 40 is inserted into the catheter 1 through the inlet connector 6 and inlet port 2a in tubular member 2, and extends through the length of tubular member 2 until it exits from outlet port 2b. The needle 40 may be of any suitable gauge, but is preferably a 17 gauge needle (about 0.059 inches in diameter), which will enable the tubular member 2 to fit snugly around the outside of needle 40. The tubular portion 2 of the catheter 1 may alternatively be inserted into the patient's trachea 4 by inserting the tubular portion 2 of the catheter 1 into a bore of a split type needle or similar insertion tool and then inserting the needle and catheter assembly into the trachea after which the split needle is removed leaving the catheter 1 in place. Thus, needle 40 supports tubular member 2 during the insertion procedure with the sharp leading edge of the needle 40 serving to cut through the tissues of the patient's neck. The needle 40 is inserted through the tracheal wall 3 preferably between the first and second or second and third tracheal rings 7. Once the retainer flange 5 engages the patient's neck, needle 40 is withdrawn and the catheter 1 may be held in place by any of the attaching means previously described. As seen in Figure 1, needle 40 may be connected to a syringe 41 which may be used to introduce local anesthesia to the tracheal site before the procedure is performed, if desired. Aspiration using the syringe 41 may be used to identify the entrance into the trachea 4 which is evidenced bythe aspiration of air.

A catheter 1 has been shown and described which includes a tubular member 2 insertable through the tracheal wall 3 into the tracheal cavity 4, a retainer flange 5 connected to the tubular member 2 at its exterior end for retaining the tubular member 2 in place, and an inlet connector 5 for connection to an oxygen supply line. Catherter 2 thus provides for inconspicuous administration of oxygen therapy, conserves the oxygen gas resource and simplifies the procedure for administering oxygen therapy.

Various modes for carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

Claims (13)

1. A catheter insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen into the lungs of the patient, comprising: a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings, said tubular member having a first end with an outlet port to be positioned within the tracheal cavity, and a second end with an inlet port to be positioned adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall, said tubular member having a substantially linear first portion to be disposed within the tracheal cavity of a length sufficient to position said outlet port immediately adjacent and above the bronchi and a second portion having a curvature formed therein to position said first linear portion at a location spaced from the interior of the tracheal wall so that drying of the mucous membrane of the trachea by oxygen being discharged from said outlet port is minimized;; stop means connected to said tubular member near said second end for retaining said tubular member in the trachea; and inlet connection means connected to said tubular member and having an inlet opening communicating with said inlet port for removably retaining an oxygen supply input tube.

2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein said inlet connection means includes bending means for allowing said inlet connection means to be substantially deformed with respect to said inlet port without obstructing said inlet port.

3. The catheter of claim 2, wherein said bending means includes a corrugated flexible portion on said inlet connection means adjacent said inlet port.

4. A catheter insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen into the lungs of the patient, comprising: a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings, said tubular member having a first end with an outlet port to be positioned within the tracheal cavity and a second end with an inlet port to be positioned adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall; stop means connected to said tubular member near said second end for retaining said tubular member in the trachea; and inlet connection means connected to said tubular member and having an inlet opening communicating with said inlet port, said inlet connection means extending downwardly from said inlet port to removably retain an oxygen supply input tube to reduce the likelihood of dislodging said tubular member from the neck.

5. The catheter of claim 4, wherein the axis of said inlet opening is disposed at about a 300 angle with respect to the axis of said inlet port.

6. The catheter of claim 4, wherein said inlet opening is tapered to provide a luer connection.

7. A catheter member insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen into the lungs of the patient, comprising: a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings, said tubular member having a first end with an outlet port to be positioned within the tracheal cavity and a second end with an outlet port to be positioned adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall; stop means connected to said tubular member near said second end for retaining said tubular member in the trachea, said stop means including a radially extending flange to be placed in intimate engagement against the neck; inlet connection means connected to said tubular member and having an inlet opening communicating with said inlet port for removably retaining an oxygen supply input tube; and attachment means for attaching said flange directly to the neck, said attachment means includes a plurality of apertures formed closely adjacent to the outer edge margin of said flange, said apertures enabling said flange to be sutured to the patient's neck.

8. A catheter member insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen into the lungs of the patient, comprising: a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings, said tubular member having a first end with an outlet port to be positioned within the tracheal cavity and a second end with an outlet port to be positioned adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall; stop means connected to said tubular member near said second end for retaining said tubular member in the trachea, said stop means including a radially extending flange to be placed in intimate engagement against the neck; inlet connection means connected to said tubular member and having an inlet opening communicating with said inlet port for removably retaining an oxygen supply input tube; and attachment means for attaching said flange to the patient's neck, said attachment means includes at least one protrusion projecting from said flange, and an adjustable band of sufficient length to extend around a patient's neck, said band having a series of spaced holes formed therethrough sized to accept said protrusions and hold said catheter in place.

9. The catheter of claim 8, wherein said protrusion includes a spherical head portion spaced from said flange and a neck portion connecting said head portion with said flange that has a diameter less than the diameter of said head portion, and said holes are sized to have a diameter greater than said neck portion but less than said head portion.

10. A catheter member insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen into the lungs of the patient, comprising: a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings, said tubular member having a first end with an outlet port to be positioned within the tracheal cavity and a second end with an outlet port to be positioned adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall; stop means connected to said tubular member near said second end for retaining said tubular member in the trachea, said stop means including a radially extending flange to be placed in intimate engagement against the neck; inlet connection means connected to said tubular member and having an inlet opening communicating with said inlet port for removably retaining an oxygen supply input tube; and attachment means for attaching said flange directly to the patient's neck, said attachment means includes at least one aperture formed in said flange, and a button member positionable in the subdermal area of a patient's skin, said button member includes a protrusion to be projected through the skin and said aperture and includes a locking surface which engages the edge of said aperture to secure said retainer flange in place.

11. The catheter of claim 10, wherein said protrusion includes a spherical head portion spaced from said flange and a neck portion connecting said head portion with said flange that has a diameter less than the diameter of said head portion.

12. A catheter member insertable into the lower neck of a patient for administering oxygen into the lungs of the patient, comprising: a tubular member insertable through the tracheal wall between a pair of adjacent tracheal rings, said tubular member having a first end with an outlet port to be positioned within the tracheal cavity and a second end with an outlet port to be positioned adjacent the exterior of the tracheal wall; stop means connected to said tubular member near said second end for retaining said tubular member in the trachea, said stop means including a radially extending flange to be placed in intimate engagement against the neck; inlet connection means connected to said tubular member and having an inlet opening communicating with said inlet port for removably retaining an oxygen supply input tube; and attachment means for attaching said flange directly to the patient's neck, said attachment means includes at least one aperture formed in said flange, a first button member positionable in the subdermal area of a patient's neck, said first button member having a female fitting projecting therefrom to pass through the skin and into said aperture, and a second button member having a male fitting projecting therefrom adapted to be secured within said female fitting to sandwich said flange and skin therebetween and secure said flange in place against the patient's neck.

13. The catheter of claim 12, wherein said male fitting is frictionally engaged within said female fitting.